Good morning!
Here is Your AM Rundown, with news updates in 400 words or less. Get caught up on headlines and other developments you might’ve missed. Here’s what to know for today:
- The Andrew J. Young Foundation will kick off a series of events this afternoon leading up to the former mayor and civil rights leader’s 90th birthday this weekend. On March 9 at noon, Young will deliver a virtual 90-minute “global prayer for peace” from the First Congregational Church. Young’s birthday celebration on March 12 will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center, but is already sold out.
- Former U.S. Rep. Kwanza Hall has announced his decision to run for lieutenant governor with a video published to his social media accounts. “Please join me on this journey to make history in our great state,” he says in the 15-second clip. A former Atlanta City Council member, Hall briefly represented Georgia’s 5th Congressional District, serving the remainder of U.S. Rep. John Lewis’ term following his death in July 2020. Current Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan is not seeking reelection.
- Gas prices continue to rise in Atlanta, where the average cost as of March 9 is about $4.21 per gallon, nearly 68 cents higher than last week. According to AAA, before the current surge, the previous record-high price in Atlanta was set in 2008 when gas averaged $4.11 per gallon.
- School accrediting agency Cognia has amended some of its criticisms of the Cobb County School District after the county Board of Education provided evidence challenging a review the agency conducted last year. Prior to the review, the district faced complaints regarding a number of issues, including a lack of transparency regarding resources. Cognia President and CEO Mark Elgart now says there are “no concerns regarding allocation and use of resources by the Cobb County Schools.”
ICYMI: Ahead of the midterm elections, Monday kicked off a five-day qualifying period for candidates and saw politicians such as Hall, U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, and one of his Republican opponents, Herschel Walker, among others filling out paperwork at the Georgia Capitol.
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